Treat Your Baby’s Diaper Rash

There are different types of diaper rash and different levels of severity. Do you know how to care for your baby’s case or when to call your doctor?

To treat your little one’s skin effectively, you should first understand the causes and different types of diaper rash.

What causes diaper rash?

Often caused by exposure to urine or stool, diaper rash can also be the result of yeast. A diaper rash caused by irritation from a wet or dirty diaper will appear red and may look raw in some places, while a rash caused by yeast will be bright red with red dots covering the skin.

Rashes in the diaper area may also be caused be sensitivities to new foods or from allergies to detergents or soaps. It is important to determine what is causing your baby’s diaper rash since each type should be treated in a different way.

How can I ease my baby’s skin?

There are a few at-home tips and treatments that can work on most types of diaper rash, helping your little one feel better faster.

Stop using wipes: Baby wipes usually contain alcohol and other ingredients that can sting or burn a baby’s bottom. Use damp paper towels or a wet washcloth instead as this will be easier on the skin until it has healed. It is also important to gently pat the area dry. Do not rub or pull the skin.

Let it air dry: After wiping your baby’s bottom, let the area fully dry before applying cream or putting on a new diaper. If possible, consider letting your little one go without a diaper for a little while to allow the skin to breathe.